Majidesuka Ska! [Regular Edition]

Maji Desu ka Ska! is the hyper, upbeat and genki song everyone was wanting (and was expecting). It has shades of Koko ni Iruzee and there's also a fair bit of S/mileage influence in there. Line-distribution is perfect. While still technically an Ai/Reina lead, both new and old members get a bunch of lines. I will say that it wasn't an instant hit for me but after one or two repeat listens I was hooked. Motto Aishite Hoshii no on the other hand seems to me, what would have been the 45th single if EriJunLin hadn't graduated. It nicely builds on the Emo/Ero Musume style of song we've been accustomed to since 2008 while incorporating some of the electronic stylings of other recent H!P singles like Heroine ni Narou ka and Kiss Me Aishiteru. I feel like it could have been included on the 10 MY ME album as well. It's another Ai/Reine lead (par for the course) although the other old(er) members do get some lines. 9th gen is only featured in the chorus but that's to be expected. Suffice to say I adore this single: it's perfect (apart from the instrumental which is decent but nothing special). It has some old, some new, some tradition and some originality.